Monthly Archives: April 2014

Back for More Moore, Bacon (and Brandt)

Posted on April 29, 2014 by barczablog

Today I revisited the AGO show “Francis Bacon Henry Moore Terror and Beauty” (or FBHM for short) that I wrote about at the beginning of April.  I’m on holiday today even if it’s a rainy spring day.  I saw the … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Architecture & Design, Music and musicology, Opera, Reviews | Leave a comment

Perfecting Persée

Posted on April 28, 2014 by barczablog

This morning I wondered, hm will I have anything to say?  This is Opera Atelier’s third Persée this millennium.  And now I have so much to say that I’ll probably have to split it into at least two separate posts.  … Continue reading →

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10 questions for Margarete von Vaight

Posted on April 26, 2014 by barczablog

Serendipity is a funny thing. A few days ago Canadian heldentenor Ben Heppner announced his retirement from singing after one of the most extraordinary careers.  At the exact same time, I’ve been talking to Canadian soprano Margarete von Vaight, who … Continue reading →

Posted in Interviews, Opera | Tagged | 7 Comments

Radvanovsky’s Theatrical Elizabeth

Posted on April 26, 2014 by barczablog

The opera is called Roberto Devereux but don’t let that throw you.  The reason we’re there, the reason to see the Canadian Opera Company production of that aforementioned opera is for another character, namely Elisabetta, aka Queen Elizabeth. It’s a … Continue reading →

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Old with New

Posted on April 25, 2014 by barczablog

I was challenged to explain & even to defend something I love.  It was my second time seeing the Canadian Opera Company Hercules, accompanied by someone who prefers Puccini to Handel. Why this old story in modern dress?  Or rather, … Continue reading →

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Polar Bears and Lullabies

Posted on April 24, 2014 by barczablog

Today Rick Sacks brought his charismatic performance style to the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre in a concert including the first piece dedicated to the RBA and the Canadian Opera Company. While we were in the realm of new instrumental music without … Continue reading →

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Rick Sacks’ free concert tomorrow

Posted on April 23, 2014 by barczablog

“Press releases and announcements” are presented verbatim without comment Join Arraymusic’s Rick Sacks for a noon hour concert at the C.O.C.   presents Rick Sacks’ Solo MalletKat Concert Thursday., April 24, Noon The Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre (southeast corner of Queen … Continue reading →

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Cobalt

Posted on April 23, 2014 by barczablog

It’s a colour.  It’s an element.  And most recently, it’s Jocelyn Morlock’s CD that I’ve been playing incessantly. I first encountered Morlock as one of the composers in the workshop experience of Tapestry Briefs,  a process whimsically compared to speed-dating. … Continue reading →

Posted in Music and musicology, Reviews | Tagged , | 4 Comments

10 Questions for Kate Applin

Posted on April 17, 2014 by barczablog

Toronto soprano Kate Applin founded Metro Youth Opera, a new opera company designed to create viable development opportunities for young artists in all fields related to the world of opera: singers, stage directors, music directors, and more. Holder of an … Continue reading →

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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

Posted on April 17, 2014 by barczablog

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) cost $90 million to make but earned only $58 million. Even with the few bucks on PPV I spent tonight this is a film that seems to bely its own messages.    It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinema, video & DVDs, Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments